The Imperial College President’s PhD Scholarships allows students the opportunity to undertake a research project of their choosing with the support of an excellent supervisor, alongside cohort-building opportunities with other President’s PhD Scholars.
Imperial College is among the universities in the United Kingdom having the most international students. 60% of Imperial’s students come from outside the UK, including 20% from other European countries. Two-thirds of Imperial research includes an international collaborator, encompassing academic peers in more than 130 countries.
They are committed to attracting, nurturing and championing the best local, national and global talent by providing equality of opportunity and removing barriers.
If you are a high performing undergraduate or Master’s student and have a strong desire to undertake a PhD programme at a world-class research institution, a President’s PhD Scholarship could provide you with the outstanding opportunity to do so.
They accept applications from talented candidates from Imperial College London, the UK and worldwide. There are no restrictions on nationality.
The scholarship applies to both full- and part-time study.
They also encourage applications from people from all backgrounds, as they recognise that diversity not only benefits Imperial but also helps the sector to better represent the communities that we serve.
ELIGIBILITY
This competitive scheme has higher than usual eligibility requirements, attracting candidates that show excellent academic performance and promising research potential. To be eligible one must fulfill the following:
- Candidates must be in receipt of, or due to receive, a first class or equivalent in an undergraduate or integrated Masters degree; or if this has not been achieved
- Candidates must be in receipt of (or where this has yet to be received be able to provide evidence of high performance that will lead to) a distinction in a standalone Master’s qualification.
- The scheme is only open to new PhD applications. Current registered Imperial PhD students are not eligible to be considered for a President’s PhD Scholarship.
- Read their scholarships terms and conditions here.
APPLICATION PROCESS
There isn’t specific scholarship application form, however one must submit their application for admission to study at Imperial through their online admissions system and your department will put you forward for the scholarship based on academic merit and potential.
- For the 2025–26 academic year, the earliest start date for funded places is 1 August 2025, the latest start date is 1 November 2025.
- When prompted for a personal statement you must include a 2-page document:
- the first page should be a personal statement (motivations for applying to Imperial and the scholarship, and any other supporting information not included elsewhere on the form that you feel will enhance your application)
- the second page should be your research proposal. You may submit updated versions of this statement if required following application submission if your department shortlists you for the scholarship. You are encouraged to write in the first person.
- When prompted for the names of two academic referees, these should be people who can provide an academic reference in support of your application (e.g. your personal tutor or your thesis supervisor). You should not include your proposed PhD supervisor. You are encouraged to share this guidance with your two referees, noting, in particular, the recommendation to use ‘they/them’ language (rather than gender pronouns).
- To be considered for the President’s PhD Scholarship scheme, you must select this option in the funding section of the additional questions tab within the online application form.
AWARD BENEFITS
Th Scholarship provides the following support during the 3.5 years of study:
- Full funding for tuition fees
- A stipend of for is £25,224 (2024/25 rate) per annum to assist with living costs
- A consumables fund of £2,000 per annum for the first 3 years of study
- A programme of bespoke opportunities and events delivered by the Graduate School
You will also have access to the full range of support available to postgraduates at Imperial, including tailored support for disabled and international students, and the wider Graduate School programme of professional skills courses.
For more information please visit their website.